Catholic Chroniclehttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/
Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:17:47 +0000FeedCreator 1.7.3http://www.catholicchronicle.org/images/M_images/joomla_rss.pngCatholic Chroniclehttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/
The Catholic Chronicle serves the Toledo Diocese by providing a Catholic prospective on news and current events that affect the Catholic church, its members, and the world at largeBryan parishioner wins endowed scholarshiphttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Our-Lady-Queen-of-Peace-Deanery/bryan-parishioner-wins-endowed-scholarship.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Our-Lady-Queen-of-Peace-Deanery/bryan-parishioner-wins-endowed-scholarship.htmlCHICAGO—Joanna Steffel, a member of Bryan St. Patrick, received the Richard C. and Rosemary K. Leach Endowed Scholarship from Loyola University Chicago’s Institute of Pastoral Studies.

The annual merit-based scholarships helps students continue their academic success and mission to better the community.

Ms. Steffel is expected to graduate in 2016 and is working at Aquinas Literacy Center as a transitions specialist.

“It is a privilege to work there because, as an Adrian Dominican associate and pastoral counseling student, this Adrian Dominican sponsored center affords me the opportunity to live out my Dominican spirituality and develop my pastoral presence in a safe space,” says Ms. Steffel

Within the next year, she hopes to find an internship that involves working with couples and families. Ms. Steffel says she feels called to work with this population and sees a great need for healing in families and marriage in society.

She was attracted to IPS because of its unique ability to integrate two of her passions: theology and psychology.

]]>Angela KesslerTue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 +0000Assyrian Christians released, but many concerned for those still heldhttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/assyrian-christians-released-but-many-concerned-for-those-still-held.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/assyrian-christians-released-but-many-concerned-for-those-still-held.htmlAMMAN, Jordan (CNS) -- Christians in the Middle East welcomed the release of nearly 20 Assyrian Christians abducted by Islamic State militants in northeastern Syria, but expressed concern that more than 200 others remained in captivity.

"I can confirm the release of 19 persons (17 men and 2 women) who were captured by the Islamic State in the Khabur region," said Father Emanuel Youkhana, who heads the Christian Aid Program Northern Iraq, CAPNI.

Iraqi Christians attend Mass at a church in Baghdad March 1. Christian organizations have begun funneling aid to Syrian cities that are housing refugees from the Islamic State. (CNS photo/Ahmed Saad, Reuters)

"We pray and hope for the others to be released," he added.

Bashir Saedi, a senior official in the Assyrian Democratic Organization, said all those released were around 50 years of age or older, suggesting that age might have been a factor.

Vatican Radio reported that Osama Edward, who heads the Assyrian Human Rights Network, said the Christians were released because jizya, an Islamic protection tax levied on non-Muslims, had been paid.

They are now "in the church of the city of Hassakeh," Edward said. The network published photographs on its Facebook page that appeared to show people in Hassakeh greeting the returnees.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that an Islamic court had ruled the captives be freed, but it said the reasoning behind the decision was unknown.

On Feb. 23, Islamic State militants raided a cluster of villages along the Khabur River near Syria's northeastern province of Hassakeh and abducted Assyrian Christian residents and other minorities.

There have been conflicting reports about the actual number of the captives still held by the extremists, and their fate remains unclear. The Observatory said there were 220. Other activists said the figure was higher than 260.

Sunni Muslim Arab tribal leaders have been mediating with the extremist militia to secure the captives' release. Many observers believe most captives were taken to Shaddadeh, about 30 miles south of Hassakeh.

The abductions have added to growing fears among religious minorities in the Middle East who have been repeatedly targeted by the Islamic State group, especially in Syria and Iraq. During the militants' campaign in Syria and Iraq over the past year, minorities have been repeatedly targeted and killed, driven from their homes, had their women enslaved and places of worship and cultural artifacts destroyed.

The attacks along the Khabur took place just weeks after video was released of Islamic State beheading 21 Egyptian Christians that it called "crusaders."

At the Vatican, Pope Francis called on everyone to help the people of Syria and Iraq, many of whom are suffering because of their faith.

After praying the Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square March 1, the pope underlined his dismay over the ongoing "dramatic" events unfolding in the area -- the "violence, kidnappings and oppression to the detriment of Christians and other groups."

He said the church has not forgotten about the minorities and their plight and said Catholics were "praying urgently that the intolerable brutality" they are suffering "may end as soon as possible."

"I ask everyone, according to their means, to work to alleviate the suffering of all those who are afflicted, often just because of their faith," the pontiff said.

Nechirvan Barzani, prime minister of the Kurdistan regional government of Iraq, met Pope Francis at the Vatican March 2 to discuss concerns about Islamic State extremists and the fate of religious and ethnic minorities in the Middle East.

Ra'ed Bahou, Catholic Near East Welfare Association's regional director for Jordan and Iraq, called the release of the first batch of Assyrian Christians "positive," but said the attacks on Christians in Syria were troubling.

"We spoke about the problem of Hassakeh publicly for seven or eight months before this incident. We said that Hassakeh and the nearby villages are all surrounded by Daesh," the Arabic term for Islamic State, Bahou told CNS. "Despite the warning, nothing happened to protect them."

A prominent Syrian Christian, Bassam Ishak, president of the Syriac National Council of Syria, added that he raised concerns earlier about the Islamic State presence in the Hassakeh region as well in Washington, but no real measures were taken.

"If you go back to July 22, 2014, we warned publicly that Daesh will enter the Ninevah Valley, and it happened 14 days later," Bahou said, referring to massive attacks on Iraqi Christian villages last summer that sent thousands fleeing for safety to northern Iraq and neighboring countries.

"When there is warning, the international community must act," Bahou said.

He said he believed with the announcement of a military campaign by Iraqi troops and the U.S.-led coalition to retake Mosul, Iraq, this spring, the militants will try to take over more territory.

"They want to take more lands because they will lose Mosul and go back to Syria. They want more lands because that is the only way they can survive," Bahou said. "We (Christians) will have more pressure in the future."

"It's been a cleansing of the Iraqi Christians. I think it will be a domino effect. It's now happening in Syria. It's happening in Egypt, in Lebanon," Bahou added.

"Thank God we have stability in Jordan, and we hope it will continue. But we are losing Christians in our region," he said.

- - -

Contributing to this story was Carol Glatz in Rome.

]]>JoetteTue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 +0000During Lent, pope offers handy tips for preparing for confessionhttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/during-lent-pope-offers-handy-tips-for-preparing-for-confession.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/during-lent-pope-offers-handy-tips-for-preparing-for-confession.htmlVATICAN CITY (CNS) -- As Catholics are encouraged to make going to confession a significant part of their lives during Lent, Pope Francis offered some quick tips to help people prepare for the sacrament of penance.

After a brief explanation of why people should go to confession -- "because we are all sinners" -- the pope listed 30 key questions to reflect on as part of making an examination of conscience and being able to "confess well."

The guide is part of a 28-page booklet in Italian released by the Vatican publishing house. Pope Francis had 50,000 free copies distributed to people attending his Angelus address Feb. 22, the first Sunday of Lent.

Titled "Safeguard your heart," the booklet is meant to help the faithful become "courageous" and prepared to battle against evil and choose the good.

The booklet contains quick introductions to Catholic basics: it has the text of the Creed, a list of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. It explains the seven sacraments and includes Pope Francis' explanation of "lectio divina," a prayerful way of reading Scripture in order to better hear "what the Lord wants to tell us in his word and to let us be transformed by his Spirit."

The booklet's title is based on a line from one of the pope's morning Mass homilies in which he said Christians need to guard and protect their hearts, "just as you protect your home -- with a lock."

"How often do bad thoughts, bad intentions, jealousy, envy enter?" he asked. "Who opened the door? How did those things get in?"

The Oct. 10, 2014, homily, which is excerpted in the booklet, said the best way to guard one's heart is with the daily practice of an "examination of conscience," in which one quietly reviews what bad things one has done and what good things one has failed to do for God, one's neighbor and oneself.

The questions include:

Do I only turn to God when I'm in need?

Do I take attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation?

Do I begin and end the day with prayer?

Am I embarrassed to show that I am a Christian?

Do I rebel against God's plan?

Am I envious, hot-tempered, biased?

Am I honest and fair with everyone or do I fuel the "throwaway culture?"

In my marital and family relations, do I uphold morality as taught in the Gospels?

Do I honor and respect my parents?

Have I refused newly conceived life? Have I snuffed out the gift of life? Have I helped do so?

Do I respect the environment?

Am I part worldly and part believer?

Do I overdo it with eating, drinking, smoking and amusements?

Am I overly concerned about my physical well-being, my possessions?

How do I use my time? Am I lazy?

Do I want to be served?

Do I dream of revenge, hold grudges?

Am I meek, humble and a builder of peace?

Catholics should go to confession, the pope said, because everyone needs forgiveness for their sins, for the ways "we think and act contrary to the Gospel."

"Whoever says he is without sin is a liar or is blind," he wrote.

Confession is meant to be a sincere moment of conversion, an occasion to demonstrate trust in God's willingness to forgive his children and to help them back on the path of following Jesus, Pope Francis wrote.

]]>JoetteMon, 02 Mar 2015 08:00:00 +0000Walsh University hosts Catholic schools photo contesthttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/walsh-university-hosts-catholic-schools-photo-contest.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/walsh-university-hosts-catholic-schools-photo-contest.htmlNORTH CANTON—Catholic high school students across the country are invited to participate in the third annual Walsh University Catholic Schools Week photo contest.

Catholic schools have a rich, storied history of providing academic excellence within a solid faith tradition. In honor of this history, Catholic high school students nationwide are invited to submit a photo that captures what Catholic education means to them.

A panel of judges is to select the photo that best embraces the theme of Catholic Schools Week 2015, “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

The closing date for entries is April 1.

The winning student submission is to receive a $500 cash prize. Two runners-up are to receive $250 each. In addition, the school with the winning photograph will be presented with a $500 grant to be used for programming in that school. The winning photo will be part of a 2016 marketing campaign that celebrates Catholic Schools Week.

]]>Angela KesslerMon, 02 Mar 2015 05:00:00 +0000Creative cake bakers sought for fundraiser http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Saint-John-Neumann-Deanery/creative-cake-bakers-sought-for-fundraiser.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Saint-John-Neumann-Deanery/creative-cake-bakers-sought-for-fundraiser.htmlNORWALK—Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Toledo is looking for bakers to creatively design and bake purse-shaped cakes to be judged and sold at live auction.

The Fourth Annual “It’s in the Bag” event begins at 11 a.m. March 21 at Norwalk St. Paul’s Social Hall, 30 Milan Ave.

All proceeds from the event are to benefit Miriam House, Catholic Charities’ transitional housing program in Norwalk for homeless women and their children. Miriam House provides housing and guidance to learn life and financial skills, obtain employment and become self-sustaining.

“They helped me get a different outlook on myself and my life,” says Angie, a former Miriam House resident. “I will never forget what the Miriam House staff members did to help me become a better person. In a way, they saved my life. They taught me responsibility and were kind and caring to me when I was at the lowest of the lows. I now have the tools to take care of myself, which in turn is making it easier to want to be the best I can be at all times.”

All cake flavors, fillings and cake names must be submitted by March 12 to Roxanne Sandles at rsandles@toledodiocese.org or by calling 419-668-3073, ext. 107.

Tickets for the event may be purchased for $15 by contacting Ms. Sandles.

"Latvia is home to a large Russian population and there are Russian-speakers in the Catholic Church. We're sensitive to historical animosities here, which could be reignited and used politically," said Msgr. Paul Klavins, spokesman for the bishops.

Soldiers of the U.S. Army's 2nd Cavalry Regiment, deployed in Latvia as part of NATO's Operation Atlantic Resolve, ride in an armored vehicle during a joint military exercise in Adazi Feb. 26. Catholic officials in Latvia are trying to stay out of the r egion's ideological war with neighboring Russia. (CNS photo/Ints Kalnins, Reuters)

"It would be easy and dangerous for us to become involved in this ideological warfare -- so our bishops have tried to stay calm and avoid taking sides," he told Catholic News Service.

"We know we'll always have to live with our big neighbor, Russia -- this is a historical reality. But we can do so in a friendly, peaceful way, even without much closeness," he added Feb. 26.

In February, governments in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia announced new security measures, including the reintroduction of conscription, against perceived dangers from Moscow.

Msgr. Klavins told CNS Latvia's Catholic bishops had taken part in ecumenical prayers with Orthodox leaders for peace in war-torn Ukraine and had encouraged their clergy to emphasize "prayer, healing and reconciliation" in homilies and public statements.

"There are also many divisions in our population, with Russians who only follow the Russian media and Latvians who only heed the Latvian. Local politicians are using the scare stories which regularly surface here."

Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia became independent from the Soviet Union as U.N. member-states in September 1991. They joined NATO and the European Union in 2004, gaining protection under the alliance's Article 5 collective defense guarantee.

However, security concerns have grown since Russia's March 2014 annexation of Crimea and military involvement in Ukraine, which triggered Western sanctions.

All three Baltic states are home to substantial Russian minorities -- numbering 27 percent in Latvia, 5 percent in Lithuania and 25 percent in Estonia -- and Moscow has launched military exercises near their territory, bringing Western government warnings of possible aggression.

The three countries have significantly increased defense spending and launched military recruitment drives over the past year. In December, the U.S. Congress approved an additional $985 million for deploying U.S. forces in the region under a European Reassurance Initiative.

Msgr. Klavins told CNS the presence of NATO forces had given Latvians a "sense of greater protection and help coming in," but added that there was also skepticism about how Article 5 would "play out in reality."

"This article has never actually been implemented and could be difficult to use against an insurgency," the church spokesman said. He added that Catholic clergy had learned English to help minister to NATO forces in Latvia.

"Although there's been much talk of national integration here, it seems this has failed -- socially, culturally and above all politically. The patriotic tradition is equated with nationalism here and isn't very strong. Many people don't feel this is their country," he said.

The country was ruled from Russia from 1795 to 1918, and again from 1944 to 1991, when all Christian denominations faced restriction and persecution under a Moscow-led communist regime.

Catholic leaders in neighboring Lithuania also have voiced anxieties about possible Russian aggression.

In a December, the president of the Lithuanian bishops' conference, Archbishop Gintaras Grusas of Vilnius, said all three Baltic states faced parallel threats and "strategic pressure-points" and urged Catholics to "grasp the geopolitical situation."

"We're in the front line, and Russia has made its intentions clear -- while we feel NATO's support, we know the front could move forward if the international community fails to stand firm," Archbishop Grusas said.

"The information and propaganda war which preceded the military action against Ukraine is very much underway here, too. There's a high degree of tension, and everybody here knows how dangerous the situation has become," he said.

]]>JoetteSun, 01 Mar 2015 08:00:00 +0000Men's Conference returns March 14http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/mens-conference-returns-march-14.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/mens-conference-returns-march-14.htmlTOLEDO—"Pursuing Holiness" is the title of the third daylong Toledo Men's Conference March 14 at the Seagate Convention Center in downtown Toledo.

The conference is open to adult men interested in growing their faith. The cost is $20 in advance and $30 at the door.

Speakers include Ray Guarendi, host of the Sirus Satellite radio show "The Doctor Is In,” Jeffrey Morrow, Catholic apologist and senior fellow of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, and Marcus Grodi, host of EWTN's "The Journey Home" program.

“We are thrilled to have these gentlemen joining us,” says Biff Rocha, director of Global Mission for the Diocese of Toledo and one of the conference organizers.

In addition to the speakers, the conference includes a series of workshops led by Dr. Guarendi, Dr. Morrow and some local presenters on the topics of building a spiritual plan of life. More information about the workshops can be found at www.toledomensconference.com/workshops/.

The conference will also have more than 20 different vendors to visit with and live music performances. The conference is to be broadcast live on Annunication Radio.

Toledo Bishop Daniel E. Thomas is to preside at Mass beginning at 4:15 p.m.. Reconciliation is available at the conference.

To register, go to www.toledomensconference.com/register/. Registration does not include lunch, however, food is to be available for purchase and several restaurants are within walking distance.

]]>Angela KesslerSun, 01 Mar 2015 08:00:00 +0000Lenten program explores ‘The Joy of the Gospel’http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Saint-Francis-of-Assisi-Deanery/lenten-program-explores-the-joy-of-the-gospel.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Saint-Francis-of-Assisi-Deanery/lenten-program-explores-the-joy-of-the-gospel.htmlDESHLER—A Lenten series at Deshler Immaculate Conception is to reflect on Pope Francis’ “They Joy of the Gospel.”

Conventual Franciscan Father John Stowe, pastor of Carey Our Lady of Consolation, Ohio, leads the three-part series. The reflections will be given in the context of evening prayer.

Sessions are offered at 4 p.m. March 8 and 7 p.m. March 9 and 10. Refreshments will also be provided immediately after each session. This program is open to all and no registration is necessary.

]]>Angela KesslerSat, 28 Feb 2015 08:00:00 +0000Pope's 'Mexicanization' comments not meant to offend, Vatican sayshttp://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/popes-mexicanization-comments-not-meant-to-offend-vatican-says.html
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/World-and-Nation/popes-mexicanization-comments-not-meant-to-offend-vatican-says.htmlSALTILLO, Mexico (CNS) -- A private email from Pope Francis to a personal friend was never meant to offend Mexican sensibilities, the Vatican said in a statement after the message -- which suggested Mexico was synonymous with drugs and violence -- was made public.

In a note to Mexico's ambassador to the Vatican, Mariano Palacios Alcocer, the Vatican said the pope's use of the term "Mexicanization," presumably to describe problems in Argentina, "did not attempt in any way to hurt the feelings of the Mexican people, for whom he nurtures a special affection ... much less undervalue the commitment of the government in the struggle against drug trafficking."

In this June 9, 2011 file photo, young people in Mexico City attend a guitar class called "Youth Orchestra" to keep themselves away from drugs and from dropping out of school. The Vatican says Pope Francis did not mean to offend Mexicans with his comment avoiding "Mexicanization." (CNS photo/Mario Guzman, EPA)

"The expression 'avoiding the Mexicanization' was utilized by the pope in a strictly personal and informal email, in response to an Argentine friend very committed to the struggle against drugs, who had used this phrase," the Vatican said.

Use of the term "Mexicanization" caused consternation for an increasingly image-conscious and embattled Mexican government and President Enrique Pena Nieto, who previously promoted an image of Mexico modernizing under his administration and largely stayed silent on the issues of drugs and crime. Pena Nieto's plans unraveled with his awkward handling of the kidnapping and presumed killing of 43 teacher trainees last September and subsequent revelations that he, his wife and finance minister purchased properties from prominent government contractors.

Pope Francis "did not intend to do more than emphasize the seriousness of drug trafficking afflicting Mexico and other Latin American countries," the Vatican said in a Feb. 24 statement.

"It is precisely this seriousness that determines the fight against drug trafficking as a priority in the programs of the Mexican government. These (programs) aim to combat violence and restore peace and tranquility for Mexican families, focusing on the causes of this social evil."

The phrase occurred in an email Pope Francis sent his friend Gustavo Vera, whose Fundacion Alameda is dedicated to working with victims of human trafficking and the sex trade. Vera subsequently published the email on his organization's website.

"Hopefully we're in time to avoid the Mexicanization. I was talking to some Mexican bishops and it's a terrible situation," Pope Francis wrote in his email.

"More than searching to stigmatize Mexico or any other region of the Latin American countries, we should pursue an increased focus, better spaces for dialogue and more spaces for the recognition of the efforts Mexico and Latin America have made in respect to a topic that worries us," he said.

The crackdown on drug cartels and organized crime has cost an estimated 100,000 lives over the past eight years and left more than 20,000 missing in Mexico.

Mexico's bishops have promoted peace, but often allowed the government to take the lead on the issue of security. Until recently, most bishops refrained from making strong statements on security matters.

In celebration of Catholic Schools Week, Toledo St. Joan of Arc Catholic School students conducted a canned good collection. With nearly 100 percent participation, the students collected more than 500 canned and nonperishable goods in just one day. The food was donated the Toledo Our Lady of Lourdes food bank. “Service is an important part of our school community and every student wanted to do their part,” says Maureen Truffin, St. Joan of Arc fourth-grade teacher and collection organizer. (Photo courtesy of Toledo St. Joan of Arc School)